The San Diego Padres released veteran 2B Orlando Hudson yesterday. It came as no surprise as Hudson has been a bust with the Padres since signing a two-year deal with them two winters ago.
The O-Dog's O-ffense was nothing to write home about. In a year and a half in a San Diego uniform, Hudson hit .238/.313/.344 in 585 PA's. His defense also slipped as well as he posted a -6.8 UZR/150 the past two seasons.
Hudson doesn't have much value on the open market, but there should be a handful of teams vying for his services.
San Francisco Giants: Freddy Sanchez is a physical mess and Manny Burriss and Charlie Culberson aren't the answer. Giant two-baggers have a Major League worst .192 wOBA in 2012. Hudson would actually be an upgrade for them.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are a win-now team and the unfortunately the Ryan Raburn experiment hasn't worked at second base (I am shocked by this by the way. I expected big things out of him in 2012). Ramon Santiago is barely holding on to a roster spot. Tiger second basemen have a Major League worst -1.8 WAR.
Washington Nationals: Danny Espinosa has really struggled so far and like the Tigers above, the Nationals are a win-now team. The Nats could sign Hudson to push Espinosa or eventually replace him.
Philadelphia Phillies: Chase Utley just started taking ground balls the other day, but I am not convinced he is going to make it back to Philadelphia in 2012. Freddy Galvis and Pete Orr aren't the answer for a team with World Series hopes in 2012. Hudson would provide an upgrade now and insurance in the future if Utley doesn't make it back or at least not back to 100 percent.